NCSR Applauds Voter Support Of Road Safety Cameras In New Jersey And Washington

WASHINGTON, Nov. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Support for red-light and speed safety cameras continues to grow among communities that experience the proven safety benefits first hand. Yesterday's election solidified this further as communities in New Jersey and Washington state came together in overwhelming support of the safety devices.

New Jersey residents in Pohatcong Township decided with a majority vote – 56 percent in favor – that safety cameras should remain on their roadways beyond the 2016 expiration of the initial contract. It's no surprise that voters rallied around keeping the cameras as they've seen the safety benefits directly impact their intersections.

The number of red-light related collisions dropped 78 percent and total violations issued dropped 73 percent since installation of red-light safety cameras at eight Pohatcong intersections. Furthermore, 87 percent of red-light runners who received one violation have not received a second – proving the cameras are positively changing driver behavior.

Keeping these safety cameras in operation was an easy decision for Pohatcong voters on this year's ballot.

Another vote in support of safety cameras came from a community in Washington state. Residents from Longview came together with a 60 percent majority vote in favor of speed cameras in school zones. This is the second year in a row that residents in Longview have voted in support of safety cameras in school zones.

The National Coalition for Safer Roads is encouraged by the overwhelming support for safety cameras that continues to build in communities across the country.

"The victories in New Jersey and Washington are significant for the traffic safety community," said David Kelly, President and Executive Director, NCSR, and former Acting Administrator of NHTSA. "People are embracing safety cameras and acknowledging the positive changes they bring to roadways. Continued support for safety camera programs will result in fewer collisions, injuries and most importantly – traffic-related fatalities."

The National Coalition for Safer Roads helps save lives and protect communities by demonstrating how red-light safety cameras can improve driver behavior. NCSR brings together policymakers, community leaders and concerned citizens in support of red-light safety cameras, advocating for their use in cities and communities across the country. The National Coalition for Safer Roads is a 501 (c)(6) industry trade association. To learn more, please visit www.NCSRsafety.org, follow @SaferRoadsUSA on Twitter and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/SaferRoadsUSA